Friends of Ralph White, the former Chair of the Lee Manor Society who died in 2023, gathered in Manor House Gardens for the official unveiling of a tree to commemorate him.
Ralph, a long-time supporter of the Society, was deputy Chair before becoming Chair in 2018.
Charles Batchelor told the gathering that Ralph’s huge contribution included leading the Society’s talks on the refurbishment of Manor House Library, expanding the annual Plant Mart and the setting up of the Community Garden.
At the same time Ralph had a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry – so the Society’s had chosen a tree with healing qualities.
It’s a Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa), and its bark, Charles said, was used for treating fevers and inflammation. – amongst other things. However, he added, there were several legends around the alder: in Germany it was believed that evil lurked in Alders because, when cut, the the wood goes an orangey red colour similar to blood.
In Britain, it’s believed that the tree’s catkins produce a green dye which Robin Hood and his men used to dye their clothes.
Alders can grow up to a hundred feet in height (30 metres) so Ralph’s small tree may one day be as high as a small block of flats.
A Red Oak planted by the Lee Manor Society in the Gardens a quarter of a century ago,, not far from the location of Ralph’s tree, now dominates the grassed area.
In the meantime it’s important to keep the young Alder watered, especially during the dry weather. The species thrives in wet conditions – they do especially well in swamps and riversides. Visitors to the Gardens during the drought are urged to give Ralph’s tree a drink if they are passing – there is a tap on the left hand end of the café.